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Posts for: July, 2016

There are a lot of common foot conditions that can easily be fixed. Bunions, athlete’s foot, plantar warts, gout, ingrown toenails, and toenail fungus are all conditions that can be treated with ease. For example, ingrown toenails can be treated by soaking your feet in warm water mixed with Epsom salt for twenty minutes. Bunions can be fixed using toe spacers, but some may need surgical removal. Plantar warts can usually be treated by soaking the foot to soften the wart.

If not treated properly, plantar warts can exacerbate and become debilitating. If you would like medical assistance regarding plantar wart treatment, contact Dr. Mayer Salama, D.P.M. of Salama Foot Care. Dr. Salama will provide quality care for your feet.

About Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are the result of human papillomavirus (HPV) getting into the feet through tiny cuts or abrasions. Typically, plantar warts are contracted through walking barefoot on dirty surfaces since the virus thrives in warm and moist environments. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.

While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain, suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.

Symptoms

· Legions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy

· Hard or thick callused spots

· Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots

· Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing

Treatment

· Freezing

· Electric tool removal

· Laser Treatment

· Topical Creams (prescription only)

· Over-the-counter medications

To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, will help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. If you think you have developed plantar warts, it is best to speak with your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

Although high heels have a bad rap for harming our feet, flats and sneakers are not far behind when it comes to hurting our lower extremities. Our feet have a natural padding of fat that protects and cushions them from a very young age. With overuse and poor support from particularly flat shoes, that fatty cushioning wears down over time. In order to reduce the chances of injury, podiatrists suggest alternating shoe types and using orthotic inserts.

Finding a properly-fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Mayer Salama, D.P.M. of Salama Foot Care. Dr. Salama can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away

Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes

Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have

Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, properly-fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

Although high heels are fashionable, they should not be your first choice in footwear if you care about your foot health. Corns are one of the many issues that stem from wearing heels, though they can easily be prevented. Corns are an area of thickened skin on the foot, and they mainly occur near the toes. They are the result of repeated pressure on the skin. It is important to wear appropriate footwear in order to maintain healthy and beautiful feet.

Corns: What are they? And how do you get rid of them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a good majority of corns. Podiatrists recommend that people with diabetes not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive end Jonathan Woodar recently announced that he tore his Achilles tendon. Although he underwent successful surgery to repair the damage, he will be placed on the physically unable to perform list and may miss the entire 2016 season. He suffered the injury when he planted his foot while maneuvering around a tackling dummy.

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful. If you believe you are having problems with your Achilles tendon, consult with Dr. Mayer Salama, D.P.M. of Salama Foot Care. Dr. Salamawill answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel bone of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation

- Dull to Severe Pain

- Increased blood flow to the tendon

- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot

- Snapping sensation

- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as: